Long-term alterations in pain sensitivity following preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis - Takeaways - MDSpire

Long-term alterations in pain sensitivity following preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • By

  • Jorge Sánchez-Infante

  • Juan Manuel Pérez-Pozuelo

  • Almudena Crespo-Cañizares

  • Sonsoles Hernández-Iglesias

  • Jara Esteban-Sopeña

  • Ana Sánchez-Tovar

  • Sagrario Gómez-Cantarino

  • Miriam Hermida-Mota

  • Nuria García-Magro

  • July 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Preterm infants experience repeated painful procedures during neonatal care, potentially leading to long-lasting changes in pain sensitivity.

  • 2

    The meta-analysis included eight studies with 731 participants, comparing pain outcomes between preterm and term-born individuals.

  • 3

    Preterm-born participants reported higher pain intensity and higher heat pain thresholds compared to term-born participants.

  • 4

    No significant differences were found for other quantitative sensory testing outcomes between the two groups.

  • 5

    The study highlights the need for well-designed longitudinal research to better understand neonatal pain management.

Original Source(s)

Long-term alterations in pain sensitivity following preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • by Jorge Sánchez-Infante, Juan Manuel Pérez-Pozuelo, Almudena Crespo-Cañizares, Sonsoles Hernández-Iglesias, Jara Esteban-Sopeña, Ana Sánchez-Tovar, Sagrario Gómez-Cantarino, Miriam Hermida-Mota, Nuria García-Magro

  • July 8, 2026

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